Pursuant to a settlement agreement from September 2014 between OSHA and the Association of American Railroads (AAR), OSHA published a proposed rule regarding railroad construction equipment provisions in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard. OSHA's proposal will maintain safety and health protections for workers, and address employers' compliance burdens.

The final rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction was published August 9, 2010. AAR filed a petition challenging certain requirements affecting railroad roadway work equipment. OSHA and AAR negotiated a settlement agreement that requires OSHA to propose a rule that will provide clarifications and exemptions affecting work on or along railroad tracks.

Comments to the proposed rule can be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments may also be submitted by mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for details. Submissions must be received by September 17, 2018.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.